Rural ILLINOIS: An Empty, Ignored Wasteland That's Not Chicago? What I Actually Saw There

[@everydaypresent444]

Another engaging and informative video, Joe and Nic! The house at 211 W. 2nd St in Mt Olive is listed for $129,900 and has been on the market for 78 days. It was built in 1920 and states it has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms in 1568 square feet. Needs lots and lots of updating, but it is a very nice home. Thank you for the shout out to Wisconsin farms, Joe! I have lived in Wisconsin for 20 years and it has been, by far, my favorite place to live in the Midwest.

[@zoidmo3388]

Appreciate your comment. Cheers! My family members are travelling the northern States to Vancouver Island /& back, and they said it's the most awesome country sights ever. Returning they've avoided Chicago, going up through Sault St Marie instead. They didn't recommend Chicago.

[@TENNESSEETORNADO]

Yes just looked it up.. 129 900 is the price

[@coreysmith8560]

I just looked it up too. Thank you for helping out too.

[@pinkythechihuahua3156]

I'm going to look on Zillow for pictures of the inside. Sometimes updating ruins the look that he like. Can't see having contemporary hair as when the outside screams....go back 100 years. But updating the bones, thats good. I'm a Chicago native living my first 24 years there, and now a Palm Springs CA transplant of 40 plus years, I always wanted to have an old farm house to do a "This Old House" reno on it, I was looking in the sycamore IL area. I love small towns, but I like having my, all under one roof, Wal-Mart near by, I'd rather have a Dollar Tree than a Dollar General any day. (I'm a crafter). Good video. Loved all the trees and the birdscsinging. When you talk about crime, please add what type of crime. I can't imagine with a town that has an older population with beautiful homes. Who's abusing whom,

[@pinkythechihuahua3156]

The house has electric baseboard heating (ick) one of the two bathrooms has a cheap metal box shower, like my grandparents had in their BASEMENT in Chicago (ick). The carpets are all different colors in each room and the interior is painted in 1980 pastels. Other homes in the area are in the 50k range, so my rating would be a 3 out of 10. 😅

[@j.sfarms]

Central IL has a sort of peace that I cant find anywhere else. I live and farm in Northern Il, some 60 miles northwest of Chicago but spend a lot of time in central IL to pick up equipment and when you get away from the larger cities its just... quiet. Corn and beans for miles, narrow little back roads and every once in a while, an old farm or a towering oak tree along the road where the old timers would stop for lunch and rest the plowhorses. To some the flat, open acres of the Prairie State may be wasteland, but for me, its a beautiful picture of America's Heartland.

[@simi72100]

i agree,

[@mair18]

Agree

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

After moving to West Virginia from Illinois and going back to Illinois to visit Illinois now seems incredibly boring as far as geography and scenery - it's literally like a huge featureless parking lot with a few bland towns sprinkled throughout.

[@colleenuchiyama4916]

My heart finds peace anywhere in the farm fields of Illinois. My family has a farm in Nora, and we’re from Warren. My favorite place in the world.

[@colleenuchiyama4916]

@@Christoph-sd3ziI totally understand that. But for those of us who come from here, there’s that sentimental tug, you know? If you ever get the chance, go northwest to galena and stop at Apple Canyon State Park. The topography over there is stunning.

[@ztl2505]

Mass-produced catalog homes and it still has more character and variety than the average new construction suburbs going up now.

[@1Melody1963]

Yes. And built so much better. Most homes built today are cheaply made.

[@joemarc62]

Of course it is likely that those houses have been changed or updated over the hundred years or so.

[@kybble]

Completely agree way more character in these homes than anything being built in the last 50 years.

[@touger9759]

The quality of lumber has a lot to do with it. The home I grew up in, in west central IL, is a 2 story Victorian style house built in the 1890s my parents bought in the 1990s for $90k. The floor joists are clear white oak 2x8 actual dimensions. Any soft wood is likely clear white pine logged out of Wisconsin or Minnesota. That kind of lumber is really expensive now. So we build homes with laminated garbage and glued chip board.

[@jrhackman7414]

@@touger9759 most wood used for homes anymore is grown on tree farms. It is fast growing softwood. We’re not allowed to harvest old trees to the degree we used to, probably a good thing with the amount of people there would be no native trees left.

[@prn24]

We moved to central Illinois and love the open spaces from town to town. Surrounded by cornfields and good neighbors. Midwest values in small towns are real and appreciated.

[@larrydrozd2740]

Shhhhh..!! Don't let everybody know the secret!! I just moved to central Illinois from Texas. Never going back!!

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

​​@@larrydrozd2740we moved to West Virginia from Illinois - never going back

[@karliw2218]

To each his own. How boring it would be if all were the same.

[@66jaws]

Native arizonans... Just moved to small town central Illinois... I love it!!!!!!!!!!

[@larrydrozd2740]

@@karliw2218 W VA is beautiful.....but you'll figure it out soon enough why it is the way it is. I speak from experience.

[@Shawnie33]

My mom is the owner of k9 & cat salon, it was a old ice building way back when and I work at kismet coffee behind the old library and it was a old doctors office and we have a shadow box of stuff we found while renovating the building, kismet is one of the beautiful buildings in litchfield and we get lots and lots of tourists 🥰 thank you for giving our little towns some attention ☺️

[@timloveless5409]

Its too bad that the man didnt swing the camera around and tell the Brown Shoe story and the Milnot story.

[@ShawnD1027]

@@timloveless5409, why don't you clue us in to those stories?

[@QueenofArgyle2525]

That sounds neat. We are semi rural here outside Chitown. This place looks even better:)

[@Howelton2020]

That courthouse is more majestic than some states' capitol buildings.

[@teamflanneloutdoors5631]

The one in Winchester is stunning also.

[@RickBerman-iv2il]

Poor Wyoming 😂

[@suzannewillis817]

I'm amazed of how beautiful the Sears house's were made.

[@kevinknight470]

Thanx Joe for showing Mother Jones' burial place and telling of some of the struggles that the Miners of America had to endure. My Father was a Miner for 23 Years. Respect for all of Our Nations Miners, God Bless the Miners of America. 🙂

[@BBQDad463]

Thank you for the recognition of Mother Jones and the miners' struggles. I was an underground bituminous coal miner, as were my Father and my Grandfathers. Each of my Grandfathers had 60 years in the mines. My Father had 35. I had 17. Before the UMWA, coal mining was as close to Hell as you could get. Mother Jones played a significant role in the establishment of the UMWA. God Bless Mother Jones.

[@rosep3933]

My Grandfather and his sons worked in the #4 mine in Wilsonville back in the day .

[@brucereidelberger2154]

I agree with you that Central Illinois is very beautiful. The farmland has it's own intrinsic beauty! BTW, we have eaten at the Ariston restaurant when we travel through the area since the 60's!

[@Christoph-sd3zi]

After moving to West Virginia from Illinois and going back to visit I have come to realize how soulless that Midwest Corn Country really is

[@Alan-lv9rw]

I was from New England and went to college in Peoria, IL. Although not as scenic as the Northeast, I loved Central Illinois.

[@redman00039]

Bradley University?! 1501 Bradley Ave. I grew up and live less then 5 miles away.

[@deborahs2593]

Oh, oh, OH! Sears homes and other catalog homes from that era are sooo interesting and charming. I've spent hours reading and learning about them. Thank you. The courthouse was elegant and civilized. Government building architecture now is cold and dull..kinda like government itself...

[@Nicksonian]

There is one here in Annapolis that is one of my favorites in town.

[@bobcantstandzyobitz9778]

My aunt owns a Sears bungalow from the 20s, I believe, in the east side of Aurora. Has nice wood trim, simple interior design, decent sized porch. Solid little house.

[@kimberlyblair5996]

I agree with you so much. Everything thing that is built now, is grey concrete, boring, cold and lifeless. Like something from old communist countries. Why? Because it's cheaper, I'm guessing? Everything thing is built on flat concrete slabs, due to the disability act, which is very accessible, but face it very ugly..like a prison.. Now courthouses couldn't be built with all those steps leading to it.

[@lclfav2]

I owned a sears home a few years ago in Highland. It was built in 1945 and was incredibly sturdy. It still had the original roof planks.

[@2FUNNYMIKE]

Thanks for getting your kicks on route 66. I like that you do actual research in the towns you visit.

[@paintbrushful]

Barely a car in the pretty old town center. The silence is DEAFENING

[@JohnWalsh2019]

You need to go much further south in IL as well. The Shawnee National Forest, for example is amazing.

[@KaraMiaSantaLucia]

Totally, agree. southern Illinois awesome. Many forests and bird sanctuaries. I’ve grown an appreciation for this area of Illinois after traveling downstate twice to see the Total Eclipse near the Shawnee National Forest. That area is very special and significant in Native American history.

[@jakejohnson9299]

Shhhhhhhh let them believe there’s nothing down here

[@JohnWalsh2019]

@@jakejohnson9299 LOL!!

[@railtrekker]

Illinois ends at Joliet. Just ask any politician!

[@charlesbosse9669]

I've never been there,but would live to.

[@annabelleb.8096]

I live in IL outside of Chicago and didn't realize southern IL was so nice! Like a different world. Those Sears catalogue houses are amazing, probably built better than many modern houses. Certainly more interesting! Thank you for this wonderful video.

[@rhondaschandelmeier9314]

I am originally from Illinois, I have always said that IL is really 3 states Northern IL, Southern IL & Chicago 😂

[@fastsetinthewest]

Chicagoistan. Hahaha

[@JohnWalsh2019]

I live in Southern IL and believe me we want to break away from Chiraq and form our own state. I never go to Chicago and it really just doesn't represent anything I believe in.

[@annabelleb.8096]

@@JohnWalsh2019 Same here. I want to escape Chicago burbs. I think Chicago controls the whole state in a way. Awful. I live 10 miles out from downtown and never go into the city anymore. I used to love being in Chicago, it was a beautiful city but it uas been ruined and is too dangerous with violent crimes happening downtown in broad daylight. It's really sad.

[@JohnWalsh2019]

@@annabelleb.8096 Chicago really does control the entire state. It's too bad things have gotten so bad up there. I hope you are able to escape Chicago land and move to southern IL. You will love it down here! It's safe, people are friendly, and we have a much lower cost of living. Having a bit of land outside of a small town feels like total freedom! I just wish we weren't under the control of Chicago politics. I'd say anything from Central IL south is a great place to escape! I wish you luck!

[@limbiclove9487]

As a former Pennsylvanian who lived near the Amish thank you for noticing our beautiful farms. I like Wisconsin farms too and other parts of the mid west. The love of farming and working the land is agriculture not big agribusiness. When I go to other places, especially the South, I am amazed at what they call farms. Tobacco, Cotton, etc are crops that ruin the land. They are not regenerative crops and when they suck the life out of the ground it has to lay fallow for years before it can be used again to grow food crops. Living in Pa. I thought all farms were the same everywhere. That is not true. I loved this video for so many reasons I lost count. I want a Sears home!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Wow, thank you!!

[@hyacinth4368]

Have you never heard of crop rotation?

[@tumbleweed4185]

I am an agronomist. You are sadly mistaken when you say tobacco and cotton ruin the land. This couldn't be further from the truth. Please quit repeating such hogwash.

[@lizwatson3876]

​@@hyacinth4368 my neighbor rotates crops in VA and nothing lays fallow ever. Can't be successful with fallow fields.

[@bueno8191]

I appreciate that you treat every place you visit with respect

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks you!

[@warbirdwf]

Everytime I watch these videos of nice, quiet small town in good shape, it makes me want to move out of the overcrowded and expensive metro area I live in. I think you once said Joe that you were going to make a top 10 video of your favorite small towns. I'd love to see it.

[@Mike-.747]

Please don’t bring the big city mess with you. Thanks

[@ES-qu1jd]

You should move out of the metro and embrace small town living. I just moved this past weekend to a town of 18,000 in the Midwest. I'm so happy and the stress is leaving my body. It's quiet, calm, and lovely.

[@patriciawilhite7038]

Thanks to you, Joe, I was able to check one thing off my bucket list! Making a trip to Litchfield! My father was born there in 1915 on a farm. I doubt much of what you saw was even there during his childhood but I always wanted to see Litchfield. Dad left there as a teenager to northern Illinois to work with the CCC, due to the Great Depression Era which caused no jobs to be found. You fulfilled my dream today and I thank you from the bottom of my heart. ❤

[@alexandralovesgoats3360]

I’m from Illinois (Chicagoland) and haven’t even heard of these towns! Love the courthouse in Carlinville! I love the interior! Sears Catalog homes! I love this story! Love the Magnolia! Beautiful neighborhood and downtown. Love the former Carnegie Library in Litchfield! Love the history of Mother Jones! Another 1st rate vlog! Appreciate you! Looking forward to Indiana.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Alexandra!!!

[@taylormoody868]

Hi Alexandra, we are approximately 4 hours south of. Chicago (45 minutes south of Springfield on I-55) just in case you were curious.

[@JP-kb4yi]

@@mustbetrue1602i wish central/southern IL would take note of whats happening in OR called (Greater Idaho) I want to move back there so badly but refuse to because Chicago politics rules and has ruined the entire state! Really makes me sad because i grew up watching movies that the Litchfield drive in and have so many wonderful memories. The real people of IL outside the wasteland called Chicagoland, are amazing and hard working.

[@catlover614]

An interesting video, as always. Lovely towns. The neighbourhood with the Sears Catalogue homes is fascinating, very unique, and the old Service Station is awesome ! Thanks so much, Joe and Nic.😊💚

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, CL! 👍❤️

[@DonariaRegia]

Those vintage pumps are surprisingly expensive. For nostalgia buffs they are peak ephemera.

[@nsixvl]

This is my childhood county seat. I lived there until college and off and on until my mid 20s. My mother’s side of the family grew up in rural Carlinville. Still have relatives in the area. Now live in Southern California. So it’s nice to see Carlinville is not a dying town like so many on this channel.

[@jelsig6783]

I've been to Carlinville recently and it is doing just fine.

[@AMIRMORTAZAVI-mt3ul]

Greetings from Iran I am eagerly watching your videos and try my best to learn American history and Geography. I think Joe and Nic. Both are doing fine. I have learned a lot so far. ❤

[@InHellBaby1]

Come visit, you’re always welcome here.

[@modee-b9s]

@@InHellBaby1 Good people exist everywhere in the world. Welcome.

[@uhycsak4444]

17:15 Joe , honestly it's pretty impressive you can stay cool in a situation like this, for a second or two I thought a problem can occur here but you stayed so calm and cool. It's just showing you are in a great spirit and peace of mind and vibration of positive energy to handle some tense looking situation. Nice one Joe.

[@cecoya]

These towns are actually pretty great. They are affordable, quaint, and peaceful I know that I wouldn't mind that lifestyle at all. Thanks for sharing and you have a great day and safe travels

[@LReno-di9cm]

Southern Illinois is beautiful. Lots of history. National parks. Lakes....etc

[@elizabethmiller6581]

Its central Illinois

[@tomlorenzen4062]

Pretty much southern

[@elizabethmiller6581]

@@tomlorenzen4062 you must be from Chicago?

[@tomlorenzen4062]

@elizabethmiller6581 that area has always been referred as " southern ". If you look at a map it is obviously more southern.

[@christinechildress5021]

@@tomlorenzen4062anything south of I-70 is southern! Central Illinois is were we are at!

[@TessaRucker]

Another great video 👍🏼. We love your narration, with the towns facts and history. Thank you for your research on these towns!

[@marcodebarkingville1827]

The magnificent 100+ year old trees scattered thru the towns deserve a mention as well. Great episode,👍

[@paintbrushful]

I saw the Cannon in Litchfield. As a child I would have been fascinated. Now I don't like things that honor war.---No offense to the vfw guys who still dream of the glory.

[@WhittyPics]

That is some courthouse. Those Sears houses outlasted the company. $129,900 for that house in Mt Olive. 1568 SF built in 1920

[@yvesfrancoisritmo]

I love rural Wisconsin Illinois Indiana and Ohio! The Midwest is more than Chicago Milwaukee Indianapolis and Cincinnati Finally , it should be noted that on Monday many businesses are closed in these smaller towns Love this episode of my state - thank you

[@Champwsox05]

True. I live in a rural Northern Illinois town and it seems like most of our restaurants and other small local businesses are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. That's something I had to get used to because I grew up in metro Chicago for 36 years until I moved out to the country more than 6 years ago. I love it out here.

[@johnbersuch1767]

I love it when you tour the town's on Route 66. Thank's

[@jenna-a-gogo]

Nice video as usual. I like the little bits of info on famous people (photos, book covers) that you included this time!

[@mamasinger49]

You really are a tonic in the KZbin world.

[@zzzman2206]

In the early 1980’s I lived in Carlinville in a Standard edition hon]me. The quality of lumber was superb. True 2 X4’s. Most of the houses are in good condition.

[@joeharris2074]

You CAN still order prefabricated home kits. There are several companies around the country producing them. Not as charming as these Sears homes.

[@mrjj1f]

You have the best videos! High crime in smaller towns has to be connected to drugs and idle youth. Thank you for your terrific work.

[@MA-wq2ih]

My thought too, what kind of "crimes" are we talking about with these towns.

[@ctgottapee9020]

'Crime' is relative, but high poverty and opiods don't make for a great mix. There is also a lack of services that you would find in metro areas, ie limited police etc.

[@Mounhas]

When there is a blue sky, lots of trees and fine looking houses all is good.

[@zoidmo3388]

Luving it ALL Joe & Nicole! Thank you ever so much for sharing this awesome! channel. Makes my day everytime you drop a new vid. Bless You Both.

[@christophero1969]

Very, very awesome trip!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@robinm9391]

211 West Second Street, Mt Olive, IL $129,900. 3 beds, 2 baths, 1568 sqft, 0.32ac

[@DestinyPowers-rz4lf]

thank you so very much Joe. i have enjoyed this thoroughly and learning from you. i love to know even cemeteries and their stories. Watch man Ron Carlson Faces Of The Forgotten every Sunday nite. You and him has neat stories ty

[@BrianMurfitt]

Southern Illinois has beautiful countryside and wonderful towns like Carlinville and Litchfield. Thanks Joe and Nic, you both do a better job than all the tourist boards of America. 👍🇺🇸🤗

[@bradleydurbin6784]

It’s beautiful there. I’m from Bloomington originally. My mom was from Effingham

[@BrianMurfitt]

@@bradleydurbin6784 Thanks Bradley, most of the mid-West is beautiful. Where's Lincoln's memorial/cemetery is it in Bloomington or Springfield?

[@LetsRideIllinois]

Carlinville is considered Central Illinois

[@BrianMurfitt]

@@LetsRideIllinois Oh right, thanks. 👍

[@melonfan74]

​@@BrianMurfitt Lincoln's Tomb & one of his homes are in Springfield. Very cool & interesting. You have to go see them at least once! 😊

[@christophersean3766]

It's weird you mentioned Lancaster county. I live in Illinois in the very outer Chicago burbs but I also regularly go to Lancaster county in Pennsylvania for work and I have been saying for years that Lancaster county has some of the most beautiful farms in the US. I also love the Illinois farm country.

[@rajeevdeshpande7666]

Hi Joe Thanks a lot for this beautiful, informative and interesting video. Best of luck for your trip onwards.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Rajeev!

[@midwesternoutdoorsandnatur8272]

I’ve lived in western Illinois for 51 years. I’ve been all over the country and seen some beautiful places. It’s a great place to come home to. It’s fairly cheap living compared to many other states and I’ve always been fond of the changing seasons. It take a special kinda tough to live here though. Our winters get below zero and summers hot and humid, but the rolling hills and midwestern countryside are tough to beat. We were just in Estes park Colorado last week and it’s beautiful but so $$! I don’t know how folks do it without making near 7 digits a year.

[@zachtimmons6202]

I'm from north central illinois and currently live In CO you have to find the good parts of the state that don't have high tourism like Estes park and you find lives much better then the Midwest.

[@tiberiusgracchus679]

My man. Completely agree.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Not only are those Sears kits inexpensive and quite charming, but they are made of good quality materials. Buster Keaton made a silent film called “One Week”, in which he built a house from a kit. Unfortunately, a rival for the hand of his bride either stole or switched the instructions, so the house turned out totally lopsided.

[@corinneloomis3634]

I’m not sure how I came across your channel but I love it! I watch at least one video every evening. You show fascinating points of interest. Love seeing the downtowns and neighborhoods. I like the all stats you provide. You pace the videos perfectly. You don’t speed through but you don’t linger and talk endlessly. Thank-you so much for such great, interesting entertainment. I’m learning a lot and look forward to watching. Much appreciate you!

[@beckystone7994]

Thank you for showing us this amazingly beautiful Courthouse such an elegant and charming inside I loved that staircase and the moldings around the doors ! It’s so good to see a town that hasn’t torn down such beautiful buildings ! I loved seeing all those Sears catalog homes they were very nice homes at a reasonable price. I love y’all’s road trips to the different states and towns !! Thank you and safe travels ! God bless ❤️🙏🙋🏻🌈🌈

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you, Becky!!

[@timloveless5409]

The entire interior of the courthouse is steel. The interior walls that look like stone are really steel sheets and the moldings that you mention are cast iron, the doors to those offices are solid steel and weigh a ton. (maybe not a ton but they are three inches thick and are really heavy to move). The main courtroom is below the dome with stained glass and intricate painting, totally amazing to look at but the acoustics are terrible. The exterior is Indiana limestone.

[@beckystone7994]

@@timloveless5409 wow!! Thank you for the info that is amazing ! A very well prepared fortress indeed!!

[@margaretmacneill3133]

In Europe one can order very nice basic kit homes delivered from Nordic countries. You just put the foundation, they deliver and assemble, you arrange finishing and sanitary.

[@jeffthompson4911]

The Sears homes were really interesting. I have trouble putting something together from Ikea. Thanks for the videos Joe and Nic. Jeff Thompson Rockford IL

[@illinois_b]

What’s missing from this video is intimate insight as to what it’s actually like living there. I lived in a small town located in central Illinois for nearly two decades. It was Mayberry on steroids. Some good, some goofy, some toxic. People are people no matter where you live.

[@416dl]

My kind of ignored wasteland that's not Chicago...Let's hope it stays like this and continues to be ignored...Keep 'em flying overhead and not stopping.

[@tammiebeam507]

You should try coming to Cambridge IL on a game night. We have a very rare football bowl for a football field and we are also the Henry county seat. We are very near Bishop Hill IL also. Cambridge also has a service station in town, Robbies, that comes out and pumps your gas and checks the oil for you. Like the good ol' days.

[@LarryHeagren]

Joe, another artful treasure of a video. The architecture is truly stunning and who knew Carlinville had so many Sears houses. The neighborhoods you feature are a cornucopia of beauty and I was quite impressed. The downside of living in Illinois is the State Taxes, otherwise these towns would be a nice place to end up. That County Courthouse in Carlinville is also very nice. All in all you showcased some very beautiful towns. Thanks again for your camera work and editing. You are getting very polished from the Lord Spoda days. Thanks again for the entertaining time.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!!

[@paintbrushful]

Great videos that evoke big time emotions----like looking at a snow globe and the little world inside.

[@Kat-tr2ig]

My childhood house in Salem, Ohio was a Sears Catalog home, too. My parents bought it in 1986 and sold it in 2003. Unfortunately, it was bought by a factory and they bulldozed it. Ps, thanks for showing Mother Jones' monument. She is an inspiration and someone I greatly admire; she was a hero.

[@ammapuramsrinivasrao2249]

Beautiful Carlinville's court house and magnificent neighborhood houses. Very nice to see. A ton of thanks to you Joe. Spare your videos we would not have seen in our lifetime. God bless you.

[@JAMESPATTERSON-mk9sr]

At 21:43 , Illinois can be divided into three different areas . Northern Illinois along and near the Wisconsin border is basically a type of Chicago urban vibe . Central Illinois is mostly small towns , farms and middle America . Illinois below I 70 has a mostly southern vibe like KY and south MO .

[@jamest4659]

I live below I 70 in S. Illinois. I agree with you!.

[@Mike-dt1yg]

Love central IL!

[@catcrazy67]

Beautiful towns love the Sears homes I live in Ohio about 40 mins from Amish area love to go there to shop and eat Lancaster PA I think is larger would be fun to visit there

[@stlmopoet]

I live in Southern Illinois about 35 miles SE of St. Louis. Not really a southern vibe here, but as you get further away from the city, more so.

[@felixd7818]

South of I80 and west of IL47 you can find real people living in Illinois.

[@kathywebb6606]

Picturing those dogs and cats bellying up to the bar 😹Great video!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Me too! :)

[@kkoegler]

Crazy. I've been following your channel for a while and now you cover the town I grew up in (I live in Austin, TX now) Very cool!

[@Ketterer75]

If you do ride through Lancaster PA again, grab some footage driving route 896 as it looks down over the Strasburg Railroad in Strasburg. One of my favorite views of all time. If one of the houses on that hill ever go up for sale, my wife and I may have to bite on that!

[@shred1]

Thanks for taking us with you on your journey's. Very informative.

[@derekalbracht7572]

I grew up in Carlinville, beautiful town. Love your videos, it was quite a treat to see you cover Carlinville!

[@BrunieStudios]

One of the most scenic and charming towns we’ve visited with you….it’s quintessential American…it’s beautiful…thank you, so appreciative of your efforts…❤

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Never heard of Sears catalog homes! Very interesting. 😊😊😊

[@Climate_Hoax2024]

Wow Carlinville. Loved it. This was another great one Joe thanks.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@kybble]

Illinois is one of few states where you are never far from someone else. Normally there is a home within eye distance. You can never be truly stranded or lost or rural in Illinois.

[@gregoryhunt2409]

In all seriousness though, I find your videos informative and entertaining. Thank you for taking the time to do this.

[@pocphotocompany]

You can actually go inside Soulsby Station in Mt Olive. It's a mini museum open to the public that is unsupervised.

[@jeffreywhite2272]

Thanks!

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!!

[@HighHolyOne]

Blackburn College was also known for its program of using students to construct campus buildings. This was going strong in the 1960's when I visited the school (but opted for Quincy College instead).

[@roolytooby5351]

My father was born in Litchfield. He was a Sears and Roebuck appliance serviceman. He could literally fix anything. He built 2 houses in Shelby county. I miss him everyday since his passing in 2016.

[@MM-ks7vs]

Hey Joe! Congratulations.... you're near 450K followers!

[@SajjadKhan-jn7cw]

Great video as always thanks for sharing joe and Nic 👍regards from London

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks 👍

[@teddyshannoncooper2772]

My family and I own a sears home in Carlinville. It was built in 1920.

[@timloveless5409]

I also own a Sears home and have done my best to keep it original. It sure needs new windows though.

[@SH-th4wy]

Nicely presented. Not just a drive-by, but actual information you'd find yourself wanting to know. Thanks!

[@osuzyq828]

I’m from Mount Olive, and that church was my church as a kid, but everyone called it Townclock

[@lawrenceharp6396]

Those were some very picturesque little towns you passed through, loved that old Shell station.

[@sardu55]

One of the first American contractors were set up to assemble these Sears homes. The ones around today were almost all done that way. Many did their own but usually had major issues with something or other. The contractor would accept delivery of the kit at the train station (usually) and then get to work. They would even secure the land it was built on. Enjoyed your report on my old homeland. Central Illinois is a pretty nice place, often overlooked but, you know, that's the way we like it.

[@timloveless5409]

Standard Oil built a railroad spur into Standard Addition and the cars with the house kits were pulled to the site with horses. Many crews were working at a time. The Foreman was a woman who roamed the sites on horseback. If a man was not working he was fired on the spot, several others were waiting for job openings so replacing him was no issue.

[@Justin-jr7xq]

Excellent research Joe & Nic, always engaging and always a pleasure to walk with you. Stay safe

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@TheSaltyTeacher]

That beautiful county courthouse! According to my Google search $1 million in the 1870s is about $25 million today.

[@Callylily7]

Bob Vila has an online site where home kits can be purchased. Great video.

[@rikspector]

Joe, Nothing like the submarine races at the drive -in, EH? IN 1968 I travelled the country in my little VW Beatle, gas was 28 to 32 cents a gallon. That Shell station would have been right in line with what I paid. In 1971 President NIxon took the dollar off the gold standard and prices started to climb. IN 1980 prices rose to an outrageous, One Dollar per gallon. Shell was one of the first to do so and provoked the quote "To Hell, with Shell. If ONLY" ,that were the price today:) Cheers, Rik Spector

[@JenniferinIllinois]

Love those Sears houses (have some of them here in Bloomington-Normal as well). 75 page instructions to build an entire house. Jeez, IKEA instructions to build a desk are like the 20 pages. 🤣🤣🤣

[@Missypop-sy8oc]

My in-laws bought a log cabin kit in the early 1990s in NC and had it delivered to their land in NW GA. Pop put it together, with a little help from his boys. I guess that might be close to the idea of a Sears house.

[@FlatFifties]

I've lived in a Sears house. The quality of the materials and workmanship was top notch.

[@GlassmakerRN]

Thanks for the video. I’m in rural Morgan County outside of Jacksonville, grew up in Beardstown in Cass County. Yes, the architecture is fascinating but, as you can see, the businesses are abandoned. How many of the storefronts in Litchfield are occupied? Of course it’s quiet because there are no people to frequent those businesses. It’s just sad that a once thriving business district is gone, as it is in many small towns in Central and Southern Illinois. And why do you say? Many factors. Mainly economy that shifted when Interstate 55 was constructed, bypassing Route 66 towns, taking away the influx of travelers and their money. The railroads also left, so did manufacturing- shoe factory, plastics plant, paper plant, the creamery. People now commute to larger towns to work, such as Springfield, as well as farming. Although this is the current situation, living a much slower pace is better for some with improved quality of life.

[@anthonyyates616]

Mt sterling is a nice small town in illinois. The downtown has been totally changed and redone thanks to grants from state and dot foods donating money to do it lots of small businesses.

[@GlassmakerRN]

Agreed. Dad’s family was from Mt. Sterling

[@relaxcat4109]

I lived in Petersburg for about 10 years. I loved that town. The Lincoln history, New Salem state park….just a wonderful small town!!!

[@CalmOrchid-wi6if]

I'm in Morgan county as well.

[@MarilynRalston]

Carlinville is a great place. I lived in Palmyra for many years and shopped at the Walmart in Carlinville. I have been to the courthouse many times. Very friendly people and I still bank at CNB.

[@cvillefarmer]

Thanks for coming to visit Carlinville! Only thing you missed in town was the Loomis House. Legend has it, the builders of the Courthouse used much of the stolen money to build the hotel on the square.

[@timloveless5409]

Also a mention that our beautiful flat farm land is the result of 5 different glaciers bulldozing off the irregularities.

[@cvillefarmer]

@@timloveless5409 how are those red tractors treating you now a days?

[@morath2339]

I live in Peoria and love learning the history of this state, thank you for posting this.

[@davidellis5141]

The Shell Gas ⛽️ Station is awesome 👌

[@713tilidierippimpc5]

Easily the coolest gas station I've ever seen

[@nancysimpson4246]

The county courthouse is gorgeous hello Joe&Nic again thank you for your videos. I always learn something. I didn’t know before I watched it.❤ wow I never ever knew Sears made houses wow

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thanks so much!

[@jombeemeanstroke6426]

This is such a great channel. Very fun, respectful and no politics, just what's there and what it is. Thank you Nic as always.

[@JoeandNicsRoadTrip]

Thank you!

[@johnr2273]

Love when you show old beer , soda signs etc

[@theeasybeats5913]

I haven't seen a Busch sign since the early 70's

[@karinlearned7150]

With all due respect I am nicknaming you 'Joepedia'... what a wonderful informative and interesting video...be safe out there

[@ConsolidatedPBY]

Joepedia likes Nic at night!

[@anne-marieberk]

I grew up in Litchfield, left for college in 1984. Many wonderful memories of time spent "uptown" and at the library with my friends and family. The town was so safe we could walk alone from our homes to the shops to meet pals at ages 7-8. We went all over town, really. A good little town and a friendly place to grow up.

[@mason0006]

It’s changed a lot..nothing to do downtown is abandoned library is on 55 now

[@taylormoody868]

I grew up in Litchfield and graduated from LHS in 2015. I feel things have drastically changed in just the last 10 years.

[@timloveless5409]

@@mason0006 The new library is on south State Street on the edge of town.

[@stevenbryant9648]

From Illinois but haven’t seen this part. Keep up the great work, thanks.

[@imabeliever85]

Very interesting video. I live in the midst of those beautiful Wisconsin farms you were talking about. We’re about 5 1/2 hours from these Illinois towns, we love going to Springfield.

[@jontalbot1]

IKEA sell kit homes. Don’t know if they do so in the US. They are standard Swedish houses so are triple glazed, well insulated and designed to align with IKEA furniture

[@patriciagordon8319]

You do such good work. God bless you and Nic.

[@HighHolyOne]

One of the plaques at the Mother Jones monument says that she lost her husband and children to disease, cholera I believe, and subsequently lost all her possessions in the 1871 Chicago Fire. Suffering so greatly may have given her the will to fight the coal companies with that "nothing left to lose" energy (IMHO).